President Suleiman Hails Lebanese-Syrian Ties as Excellent

Lebanese President Michel Suleiman described on Sunday Lebanese-Syrian ties as "excellent," noting that Lebanon was strongly tied to Syria historically, geographically and economically.
Suleiman was speaking to reporters after a meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Qatari capital, Doha, where both leaders are attending a two-day Arab League summit.
"We discussed subjects of mutual interest and the issues that would be discussed in the Arab summit," the Lebanese president told reporters. He said that Lebanon's relations with Syria were deeper than diplomatic relations. But he stressed that establishing diplomatic relations between the two neighbor countries was necessary in order "to tackle administrative issues."
Asked if Arab reconciliation will reflect on the situation in Lebanon, Suleiman recalled that Arab reconciliations have been a Lebanese demand. "I sought since my election to provide such an atmosphere," he added.
Suleiman concluded that the June 7 parliamentary elections will be carried out "amid a spirit of democracy."
The Lebanese president also met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon whose envoy on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1559, Terje Roed-Larsen, and the special coordinator for Lebanon, Michael Williams, also attended the talks.
Ban expressed relief on stability in the country and hoped for more calm. He also said he looked forward for transparent elections that will be held democratically and free from violence.
The UN chief said he told Suleiman that he welcomed the exchange of ambassadors between Lebanon and Syria. He also described the Special Tribunal for Lebanon created over the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri as a message to the world to put an end to crimes.
Sleiman also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
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